Alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, is an antioxidant that can boost immunity, prevent aging, and reduce inflammation. It is the most bioavailable form of vitamin E and can be found naturally in plants. Synthetic forms are cheaper but less bioavailable. Alpha-tocopherol can also improve circulation and has been linked to treating various ailments. Natural sources of alpha-tocopherol include wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, kale, and shellfish.
Alpha-tocopherol is a member of an eight-member family of bionutrients commonly known as vitamin E. It is an antioxidant that has been credited with boosting immunity, preventing aging, and possibly thwarting cancer and other diseases due to its ability to harness free radicals. . This form of vitamin E is also known to soothe and prevent inflammation.
Of all the forms of vitamin E, including gamma-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol is believed to be the most bioavailable, meaning it can be most easily processed and used by the human body. Researchers are finding that the human body is likely to reject other forms of vitamin E. With alpha-tocopherol, however, the body can store it for long-term use.
There are natural and synthetic forms of alpha-tocopherol. The natural forms, which can only be created by plants, are listed on supplement bottles as RRR-alpha-tocopherol or da tocopherol. Nutritionists consider this to be the highest quality of vitamin E. Synthetic forms are described as dl-a-tocopheryl succinate or dl-a-tocopheryl acetate in vitamins or foods fortified with vitamin E.
Some researchers claim that the human body cannot tell the difference between synthetic and natural alpha-tocopherol. However, almost all studies show that less than 50 percent of synthetic vitamin E is bioavailable to the body, while 100 percent of natural vitamin E is generally bioavailable. In multivitamins, synthetic alpha-tocopherol is often used because it is cheaper.
In addition to being an antioxidant that protects against cell damage, alpha-tocopherol has other benefits. Nutritionists claim that it can improve circulation by strengthening blood vessels and making the vessels more malleable and elastic. Supposedly, this can help lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of blood clots. Another benefit is that alpha-tocopherol can reduce inflammation by activating white blood cells and their healing response.
Many people apply alpha-tocopherol to the face and neck to prevent wrinkles and lighten age spots. Some researchers also claim that this form of vitamin E can treat more than 80 ailments, including cataracts, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and prostate cancer. Diabetes and lung problems are also treated with alpha-tocopherol.
Most nutritionists recommend 10 to 15 mg of natural vitamin E daily for benefits. For synthetic vitamin E, approximately 200 to 400 international units (IU) are recommended. According to doctors, food is the best way to get natural alpha-tocopherol. Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach are particularly high in this antioxidant. Kale and shellfish like shrimp are also high in natural vitamin E.
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